Jim Corbett ~ from the land of the Hunter...

Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand is one of the most celebrated national parks in India. I was stationed at Dhikala Range that covers the nice riverine system, marshes, evergreen forest and grasslands. The winter mornings are normally covered in thick fog making the sighting of the Tiger a little difficult. But, the elephants and other wildlife and specially birds make up for the absence of Tigers.

The spot-bellied eagle-owl (Bubo nipalensis) was carrying a leopard cat that it would have caught earlier. But, the cat fell down by the roadside from its talons and this fella landed on this branch giving us a tough look. Canon 7DM2, canon 300mm, 1.4 TC, F5.6, 1/20s, ISO 320, Ev +1

The morning fog was little too much for us to see anything. But, this jackal lead our jeep for quite a few distance. Neither giving us a way nor running away from us. Canon 7DM2, canon 300mm, 1.4 TC, F5.6, 1/160s, ISO 1250, -1 1/3Ev.

This big bold male of white-capped water redstart was hopping around jeep catching up insects while we were waiting for tigers at the stream.Canon 7DM2, canon 300mm, F4, 1/320s, ISO 800.

The barking deer male trying to please his partner to get to agree to mate by licking around her face. Canon 7DM2, canon 300mm, 1.4 TC, F8, 1/160s, ISO 320, -1Ev.

The elephant herd was drinking water but this grey-headed fish eagle almost dived in its front, caught the fish and took off in opposite direction. Canon 7DM2, canon 300mm, 1.4 TC, F5.6, 1/2000s, ISO 250, -1/3Ev.

The river lapwing was confidently walking across our jeeps near the lake while we were waiting for the tiger. Canon 7DM2, canon 300mm, 1.4 TC, F5.6, 1/1000s, ISO 320, +2/3Ev.

The plumbeous water redstart (Phoenicurus fuliginosus) female was calling out loud and hopping from branch to branch near the shrubs instead of typical water streams you normally find them at.Canon 7DM2, canon 300mm, 1.4 TC, F5.6, 1/400s, ISO 800, +1/3Ev.

The couple of Tawny Fish Owl was the only saving grace in one safari where we could find nothing in the foggy mornings of Corbett. This fella was yawning while his partner was holding the partially eaten fish in its talon and sleeping happily. Canon 7DM2, canon 300mm, 1.4 TC, F5.6, 1/125s, ISO 800, -2/3 Ev.

The rhesus macaque group was quite active around here and this baby was intrigued and surprised at us at the same time. Waiting for tigers is fun when u get to spend time watching other wildlife while keeping your ears stretched enough to hear the alarm calls from surroundings.Canon 7DM2, canon 300mm, 1.4 TC, F5.6, 1/500s, ISO 800, -2/3Ev.

The crested kingfisher is one of the largest kingfisher and can easily be seen across the streams and Ramganga river in Corbett.Canon 7DM2, canon 300mm, F5.6, 1/800s, ISO 320, -2Ev.

Different Strokes

The foggy mornings of winter add a lot of drama but the challenge lies in getting the subject at correct places. One such morning, this Spotted Deer male was obliged me enough to get this photograph.Canon 7DM2, canon 300mm, 1.4 TC, F5.6, 1/2000s, ISO 800, 1/3 Ev.

Elephant through flamingo legs: The break between the safaris was entertained by few elephants at Ramganga River beside the Dhikala FRH. This bull walked across and then just dipped in cool waters of Ramganga literally bathing and enjoying in the afternoon heat.Canon 7DM2, canon 300mm, 1.4 TC, F8, 1/400s, ISO 100, -2/3Ev.

The collared falconet always a chose the same tree and seen consistently in the afternoon at the top of it. Tried to see it through the Dragonfly's point of view from the canopy.Canon 7DM2, canon 300mm, 1.4 TC, F8, 1/800s, ISO 320.

No place is ever safe for this male sambar. Watchfully, it looks around even if it is in water for the predator, Tiger, can come from any side.Canon 7DM2, canon 300mm, 1.4 TC, F5.6, 1/4000s, ISO 320, -1Ev.

The sunrise in the foggy morning was a treat to watch whenever we could see the sun.Canon 5DM2, canon 70-200mm, F2.8, 1/3200s, ISO 320, -1 1/3Ev

The foggy sunrise also meant that the sun whenever could get a chance to pierce the canopy, would get to create such drama for lesser mortals like us.Canon 5DM2, canon 70-2000mm, F2.8, 1/400s, ISO 320, -2/3Ev

Do not forget to write about how you liked them below. Thanks for the time spent here.